2020 Toyota Camry
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 274 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 17th highest complaint count among 25 Camry model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 14 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 22 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, sensor, occupant classificationDec 20, 2023
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.
Campaign 23V865000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpNov 4, 2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
Campaign 20V682000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingFeb 6, 2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid and Lexus ES300h and 2019-2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles equipped with 2.5L 4-Cylinder engines. Porosity in the engine castings may result in cracks than can allow coolant to leak internally and/or externally.
A coolant leak can cause the engine to overheat and cause a vehicle stall in conventional gasoline vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, for all involved vehicles, the engine may get damaged mechanically, possibly resulting in an engine oil leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the engine including the engine block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 3, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA04. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA02.
Campaign 20V064000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
64 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Sep 9, 2026
2020 Toyota Camry XSE, VIN [XXX], 2.5L 4-cylinder A25A-FKS engine, built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) during the production window covered by NHTSA Recall 20V-064 (Toyota campaign 20TA04), which addresses porosity in engine castings that can cause internal and external coolant leaks, engine overheating, and possible engine failure. Toyota’s VIN lookup returns this vehicle as not affected by the campaign, but the failure pattern matches the recall defect exactly. Timeline of failures and repair attempts: XXX, at approximately 92,832 miles, Camelback Toyota in Phoenix, AZ (RO XXX). Check engine light active. Diagnosed DTC P268115 (Engine Coolant Bypass Valve Circuit, Short to Battery or Open). Battery also failed load test. Overheating symptom noted on the same repair order. Coolant bypass valve replacement recommended. Following that visit, water pump and thermostat were replaced at Berge Toyota (Mesa/Gilbert, AZ area). Camelback Toyota stated the vehicle was fixed. Vehicle overheated again the next day after being returned as repaired. XXX, at 93,034 miles, Camelback Toyota (RO XXX). Oil and filter change performed under good faith goodwill service, transmission fluid exchange completed. Overheating condition persisted. Vehicle continued to overheat through the summer and into September 2026. Current dealer now recommends head gasket replacement and states that if the head gasket does not resolve the overheating, the engine block is cracked and the engine will need replacement. Dealer describes the engine as “sucking air,” indicating combustion gases entering the cooling system and/or a compromised block-to-head seal. This failure sequence — persistent overheating, multiple failed repair attempts across two Toyota dealers, replacement of water pump, thermostat, and coolant bypass valve without resolution, and dealer conclusion pointing to a cracked engine block — matches the failure mode described in NHTSA Rec INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 28, 2026
The fuel pump has a malfunction. The car started jerking and started to accelerate by itself when I was driving it. Yes the problem reproduced. The vehicle is currently under inspection by the manufacturer. Yes there were multiple warning lights including the check engine light.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 11, 2026
The vehicle contains a known manufacturing defect where the engine coolant bypass valve cracks internally, leaking pressurized fluid directly into the main electrical connector (covered under Toyota CSP 24TE04). This fluid intrusion has caused active electrical short-circuits to the battery and ground networks. As a direct result of this progressive component failure, the vehicle is actively dropping into 'Limp Mode' and experiencing severe transmission shifting failures while being driven on public roads, creating an immediate safety and crash hazard. Furthermore, a franchised Toyota dealership actively turned away an attempted preventive repair under the 'Prior Sought Remedy' rule while the vehicle was under the 100,000-mile warranty threshold, stating the dashboard light had to be on first, which directly allowed this hazardous electrical degradation to progres
Engine, Mar 18, 2026
coolant bypass valve
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 9, 2026
While driving the car just shut-off in the middle of the road. If you tried to restart the car it would turn on rev the engine and shut off. The dash display displayed a message " precollision system malfunction" and "secondary brake collision malfunction". Safety wise if this had happened on the highway could have been very dangerous or worse. The car was inoperable and required a tow truck. Luckily we were not on a very busy road during the incident. The problem has been replicated and is currently being tested at Joe Meyers Toyota in Houston, Texas. When the message displayed on the dash, check engine light came on as well as the brake light on the dash.
Electrical system, Engine, Back over prevention, Jan 9, 2026
It’s reading the LDA warning lights, secondary collision break malfunction, pre collision break malfunction, check engine light. Car is misfiring and could possibly cut off in mid traffic. Dealer said that the Motor has a cracked head gasket. There were no problems prior to these issues.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 27, 2025
I went a few months ago to Toyota to get an air flow valve replaced from a safety campaign for Toyota. My car engine light came on. Afterwards it never went off. My car shuts off after getting gas . Car doesn’t start for 20 mins. Coolant is leaking . Car idling high as if the valve that was replaced was faulty. The car acts like it’s gonna shut off. I take good care of my car & several people have the same complaints please investigate this. I don’t have the money to replace something that isn’t my fault.
Engine, Dec 11, 2025
Known by manufacturer. There is a faulty coolant bypass valve that they are forcing customers to pay out of pocket for repairs totaling over $700
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 9, 2025
My 2020 Camry has been nothing but a problem and Toyota is noncompliant with helping me. The service recall for the fuel pump was fixed at Vaughn Toyota in Bastrop La .. a week later I still had the same issues. They refused to put another fuel pump on my car even thought the fuel pump had a one year warranty. I then took it to Landers in Little Rock and since I had “codes” I had to pay $180 diagnostic fee. Fast forward to now, still have the same crappy fuel pump. I took it to Ryburn Toyota and was told to replace the charcoal canister and vent valve . That was $1000. Problem not fixed. All my lights stay on, I often get a charging system error notification. It goes into reduced power mode. And has left me stranded numerous times on the side of the road. I want whatever is wrong with my car fixed. I have never owned a vehicle with this many problems. I thought Toyota’s were good vehicles but I promise if I ever get rid of this one, I will not purchase another Toyota vehicle again.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 5, 2025
My 2020 Toyota Camry SE suffered a sudden and premature transmission failure at only 114,000 miles. I am a college student and I cannot afford a major repair like this on top of my monthly car payment. The car began showing hesitation and sluggish acceleration on cold starts for a few months, but then suddenly went into limp mode with the Check Engine and Traction Control lights on. The screen displayed a warning saying ‘Malfunction in the electronic control of the engine/throttle/transmission.’ The vehicle became unsafe to drive because it would barely accelerate. If this had happened while I was merging onto a highway, it could have caused an accident. Lakeland Toyota told me the transmission has ‘internal failure’ and quoted me over $8,000 for a replacement. They did not provide detailed diagnostic codes or open the transmission to confirm the mechanical failure — they just saw a code and declared it dead. As a student with limited income, this puts me in a terrible financial situation. I still owe monthly payments on this car and now cannot even drive it. After researching online, I learned that MANY 2018–2020 Camry owners are experiencing similar transmission problems (UA80/UA80E), including hesitation, shuddering, harsh shifting, and early failure. Some owners have reported full transmission failure under 100k miles. There is even a public petition documenting these issues. This appears to be a PATTERN, not an isolated case. A transmission should NOT fail this early on a Toyota, and this sudden loss of power poses a serious safety risk. The vehicle is currently at a transmission specialist for a second opinion, but this may become a widespread issue affecting thousands of Camry owners. I am asking NHTSA to investigate the 2018–2020 Camry transmission problems before more drivers experience unexpected failures in traffic
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine oil was changed, and the oil warning light was reset. The mechanic informed the contact that the wiring harness had been damaged due to rodent activity and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact reported an issue with the battery draining. The vehicle was diagnosed with a battery failure, and the battery was replaced several times; however, the check engine warning light was occasionally illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 18,000. The VIN was not available.
Service brakes, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, with the engine, Forward Collision Avoidance, and brake malfunction warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ECM had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,599. The VIN was not available.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 23, 2025
Incident Highway Malfunction Occurs – [XXX] While driving at a steady speed on the highway, my 2020 Toyota Camry unexpectedly shifted gears on its own. I did not bump the gear shifter or interact with the controls in any abnormal way. The gear shift occurred without warning or driver input, while the vehicle was in motion. A “Drive Start Control Malfunction” warning appeared on the dashboard at the time of the incident. Vehicle Towed to Toyota Service Center – July 11 2025 Following the incident, I brought the car to a Toyota dealership for diagnosis and repair. I spoke with a service advisor named Rebecca, explained the situation, and clearly stated that I did not hit or touch the gear. The vehicle was kept for inspection, repair and I communicatied with Toyota. Vehicle Picked Up – July 16, 2025 I picked up my car from the Toyota dealership on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. I had not yet heard back from Toyota about coverage or resolution. I chose to wait for further communication regarding whether they would take responsibility for the malfunction. Toyota Corporate Follow-Up Call – July 23, 2025 On Tuesday, July 23, 2025, Toyota corporate called to inform me that the repair would not be covered, citing that the vehicle is out of warranty. What disturbed me most was that the representative claimed I had told Rebecca that I might have “bumped the gear,” which is completely false. I made it clear from the beginning that I never touched the gear shifter, and that the malfunction occurred while I was driving normally. This false statement was either a miscommunication or a lie — and it minimizes the seriousness of a potential safety defect. Response to Toyota’s Misrepresentation – July 23, 2025 During the call, I told Toyota that misrepresenting my account was unacceptable and dangerous. If Toyota is aware that this vehicle model may experience uncommanded gear changes while in motion and fails to report. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 24, 2025
This vehicle, and models with the same throttle body and air filter/air duct assembly have an issue. Where plastic parts from the vacuum box attached to the air duct come loose and get stuck in the throttle body. Causing the engine to rev up then die. I have dealt with this same issue twice in the last three weeks. Thank you for your time.
Engine, Apr 28, 2025
This was a recall due to the coolant valve Thursday, my vehicle had went in for the recall I picked up my vehicle Friday morning I checked to make sure the part that they have changed nothing wrong with it or not. When I looked at the part a day after I noticed pink stuff is leaking from around it this was announced by Toyota This is the New part they had just made I’m assuming and it is still leaking I have a 2020 Toyota Camry. With 141,000 miles. And now I am having issues. Toyota needs to redesign this piece or have a further investigation on it.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 26, 2025
vehicle will stall out in the middle of driving as if it does not have any fuel. Toyota could not pull the error code a second time replaced a random part and the next month the car continued to stall out.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 10, 2025
Coolant valve frailer coursing A coolant leak can cause the engine to overheat and cause a vehicle stall and engine to be replaced , or car Heads to be replaced .the engine may get damaged mechanically, possibly resulting in an engine coolant leaking in to cylinders of engine
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 24, 2025
Started vehicle and went to back up. Car slammed into reverse and disply showed Drive start control malfunction. The service engine light came on. I removed the battery to reset the error message and the following dayi took it to the dealership. They checked it out and told me that they didnt find anything wrong with it since it wasnt displaying a service engine light. So i went home with it. The next day it did it again so i took it back to them while the condition was happening. Which insisted of the error message, serv eng light, gearshift indicator displaying drive and park at the same time. Also the door locks were continually locking and unlocking. They put a new water valve plus a neut switch assy and a new xmission lever in it and told me it was fixed. I picked it up and the next day it did it again. Returned it to them and they said that the new part was possibly bad from Toyota, ordered a new one, put it in and said it was all good now. I picked car up and 9 months later its happening again. Not sure what to do. Please help
Engine, Jan 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer made the contact aware of an unknown NHTSA recall; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Power train, Engine, Jan 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH on the highway, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 1, 2025
Low pressure fuel pump defective. Engine dies and/or surges under load at cruise speeds, sometimes dies at idle. Engine shuts down merging onto highway. Occupant(s) could be hit when pulling out into traffic if engine dies. Problem has been reproduced. Dealership said fuel pump is not covered under previous recall, but Toyota has a TSB stating the VIN# is in the TSB range for the above mentioned concerns. No DTC's are set, no messages set.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 16, 2024
coolant bypass valve
Engine, Jul 23, 2024
The coolant bypass valve has failed and my car is at 30,000 miles. This seems like a common problem as I see a lot of other people mention needing this replaced on their Camrys and RAV4s. The dealership said they are replacing all of them on Camry’s, RAV4’s, and Corolla’s
Engine, Jul 10, 2024
Constant "ENGINE MAINTENANCE REQUIRED" warning. Dealer identified the engine coolant bypass valve as the source of the problem. Replacing the part resolved the issue.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 11, 2024
took my 2020 Camry to Toyota they told me the catalytic converter had issues and the engine cooling bypass valve as well. They also stated that they have a ton of Camrys and rav 4 coming in with the same issue